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MAY-JUNE 2020
UPPER ROOM
THE
WHERE THE WORLD MEETS TO PRAY
®
Put
HOPE
in their
hands.
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UPPER ROOM
THE
WHERE THE WORLD MEETS TO PRAY
®
Stephen D. Bryant, Publisher
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The Upper Room / Volume 86 / Issue Number 2
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Vol. 86, No. 2 is copyrighted © 2020 by The Upper Room®. All rights reserved.
COVER ART INTERPRETATION
Ruth and Naomi
Artist: Nalini Marcia Jayasuriya
(Indonesia)
Interpreter: Kathryn A. Kimball,
Curator, The Upper Room Chapel/
Christian Art Museum
Nalini Jayasuriya was a Christian
artist born in Sri Lanka. Believing that
people “need protection from fear
and a hope for blessing,”* she painted
biblical life stories in ways that focus on the wonderful moments
within each story that create hope.
In the book of Ruth, we read the story of the death of Naomi’s
husband and sons. With no male heirs, the future looked bleak
for Naomi and her daughters-in-law, so Naomi encouraged the
young women to return to their homeland where they could
remarry. Jayasuriya’s painting focuses on Ruth 4:13-17, where
Ruth gives her son to Naomi — a gift of hope for their future and
for ours.
In the center, Naomi and Ruth gently cradle a white dove.
Swirls of red and blue surround the dove in a protective womb-
like shield. Golden reddish-browns spread out from the dove,
breaking through the edges of the painting. Feet extending from
her dress, Naomi looks up and beyond Ruth’s face, perhaps
envisioning the promise of her new future. Ruth kneels before
Naomi, gazing at the beautiful white dove cradled in their
hands. In art a bird often symbolizes hope. In this story, it rep-
resents the gift of Obed — an ancestor of Jesus.
Ruth and Naomi each offer a gift to the other with their open
hands. Naomi offers Ruth freedom. Ruth cradles the dove and
presents it to Naomi as a gift of hope. The dove sits freely within
their embrace. This act of love and promise between Ruth and
Naomi secures their future and the gift of hope for all Christians
through the birth of Jesus.
*A Time for My Singing: Witness of a Life, OMSC Publications, 2004
Cover image courtesy of OMSC. © Nalini Marcia Jayasuriya and OMSC,
New Haven, CT. No prints of cover art available from Upper Room
2 Ministries®.
The Most Powerful Witness
Utterly amazed, [those in the crowd] asked: “Aren’t all these
who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us
hears them in our native language? . . . we hear them
declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
— Acts 2:7-8, 11 (NIV)
I grew up in a town where nearly everyone I knew was
Christian. Our Christian faith was an undercurrent, a shared
set of values that my friends and I rarely spoke about. When we
did, I discovered that many of my friends were more insistent
and vocal about their beliefs than I. As a child, I often wondered
whether my faith was lacking because I wasn’t more outspoken
about my belief in Christ.
As I have grown in my faith over the years — through per-
sonal practice, church membership, and academic study — I
have come to realize that there is no single right way to share
the good news of Christ. The story of Pentecost shows us how
God relates to us and how we can relate to others. It reminds
us that the Holy Spirit speaks to each one of us in a way that we
can understand — in a way that is familiar. Likewise, God can
work through each of us in a manner well suited to our unique
talents, personalities, and capabilities — providing myriad
opportunities for us to share our faith with others. Pentecost
not only acknowledges but celebrates the many ways we can
authentically share our faith. And when we tell others about
where we have seen God at work in the world, that is the most
powerful witness of all.
In this issue, people from around the globe write about the
creative ways they have been talking about or
living their faith. From phone calls to inter-
cessory prayer to giving a meal to a stranger
to asking a question in a classroom, these
writers are sharing with the world their own
unique experience of God’s love. I hope their
stories will encourage you to do the same.
—Lindsay L. Gray
4 Editorial Director
From the Archives
From its beginning, The Upper Room has been a resource
used by churches and individuals for Christian education, small-
group study, personal reflection, and outreach. In the May-June
1959 issue, one pastor had this to say about the impact The
Upper Room had on his congregation.
The Upper Room Deepens Church’s Spiritual Life
by George Albert Fallon, Minister, Lakewood, Ohio
Five years ago the Lakewood Methodist Church ordered only
500 copies of The Upper Room. Today, because Methodist Men
have made the distribution of The Upper Room their major project,
the order is 2,800.
The Upper Room is distributed to every home, sent to all
members of the church in the armed forces, mailed to all students
at college, and delivered to two hospitals and several motels.
Many letters attest to the help the sick have received and the travel-
ers have found through The Upper Room.
It is very evident that The Upper Room
• Has increased family worship and deepened the spiritual
life of families.
• Has helped to make possible a strengthening of family
work and worship in the church.
• Has increased financial giving of the church members.
• Has aided . . . by promptly supplying new members with
continual devotional help.
• Has increased prayer experience in the whole church. Two
new prayer cells began during the last year.
• Has broadened our vision of the world and aided greatly in
making our church world-minded.
The Upper Room is now such a powerful and useful force in
the total life of the church that no one would seriously entertain the
idea of curtailing it. Those who are active in its distribution say
that we must order more. Nowhere else can we get so much for so
little.
For samples and information about group orders,
visit: upperroom.org/churches 5
Where the World Meets to Pray 6
MORE THAN WE ASKED FRI
MAY 1
Read Romans 8:12-17* 2020
You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you
back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that
shows you are adopted as [God’s] children.
— Romans 8:15 (CEB)
Prostate cancer had metastasized to the bones throughout
my husband’s body. The next morning, my first thought was,
Earle is dying, and nothing is ever going to be all right again.
Decades of dealing with my own diagnosis of bipolar disorder
had left me helpless in the world of computers, banking, invest-
ments, home and car maintenance, and lawn care. Earle had
dealt with all of these as well as doing most of the driving. Since
I had concentrated all my efforts on fighting my way out of the
pit of mental illness, I had no self-confidence. I fell to my knees
and asked for the help that only God can give.
God gave me strength as I started to learn all the responsibil-
ities that I might soon have to deal with on my own — banking,
making appointments, driving Earle and myself, downsizing as
we moved into a smaller home. Then, after God was faithful in
getting rid of my fears and
giving me the ability to cope,
Earle began to respond well Thought for the Day
to the cancer treatments. Jesus offers me abundant life.
Though not in remission,
Earl’s cancer is controlled.
Now able to do many things that had seemed beyond my
capabilities before, I am sharing with Earle the abundant life
Jesus promised to us if we would trust in him.
Prayer: Faithful God, we rejoice in your goodness. Thank you
for physical healing and for the spiritual healing only you can
provide. Amen.
Darlene Forgues (Alberta, Canada)
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE LEARNING TO LIVE ON THEIR OWN
* The Bible readings are selected with great care, and we urge you to include
the suggested reading in your devotional time. 7
SAT NEVER TOO LATE
MAY 2
2020 Read Luke 15:11-32
You were washed, you were sanctified, you were
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
and by the Spirit of our God.
— 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)
As part of my pastoral responsibilities at a local hospital,
I was called to the bedside of an elderly woman. I found her
shouting out in anguish to Jesus and then to me. She had
been diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage and was afraid she
would die and not go to heaven. When I asked the reason for
her fear, she explained that
her sins were just too great.
Thought for the Day I reminded her of the
It is never too late to seek parable of the prodigal
God’s forgiveness. son and how our Father in
heaven will welcome us
back with open arms. She told me she was afraid it was too
late. I assured her that if Jesus could forgive the thief on the
cross next to him, the same is true of all of us. We then prayed
together, and a great peace seemed to come over her. When
I saw her again the next morning, she took my hand and said
that she knew she was forgiven and welcomed back by God.
No matter what sins we may have committed, whether
we are coming to Christ for the first time or returning to God
like the prodigal son, we don’t have to be afraid that our sins
are too great. Instead, we can reach out to our Father and
remember that God forgives and welcomes us with open
arms.
Prayer: Dear Father, remind us that it is never too late to turn
to you. Help us to be open to receive your love and forgive-
ness. Amen.
Scott Martin (New Jersey, USA) — See p. 21.
8 Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO FEEL UNWORTHYRESTING ON A ROCK SUN
MAY 3
Read Mark 1:35-39 2020
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
— Luke 5:16 (NIV)
Once or twice a year, my husband’s uncle would drive
from his Indiana home to a northwestern desert. He said he
needed to get away from everything and spend some time
just sitting on a rock. He usually combined his trips with
mission work, meeting
various needs in the area.
First, however, he withdrew Thought for the Day
to his rock to clear his mind Where do I spend one-on-one
and calm his spirit from the time with God?
stresses of life.
Whether he intentionally followed Jesus’ example or
simply recognized his personal need for solitude, he never
said. Either way, his actions demonstrated the pattern Jesus
set during his time on earth. Jesus’ life was certainly full. He
ministered to hurting crowds through healing, feeding, and
teaching. He offered unconditional love. He touched lepers.
He ate with outcasts. He challenged the status quo. But even
with all that interaction, Jesus regularly withdrew from every-
one and everything for time alone with his Father.
Don’t we need the same renewal? If we go nonstop, we
deplete all our energy and become no good to ourselves
or anyone else. Personal time with God, who is our Rock,
restores our energy and prepares us for another day of loving
obedience to our Father.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for meeting us in solitude and
giving us strength when we turn to you. Amen.
Diana C. Derringer (Kentucky, USA)
Prayer Focus: THOSE BURDENED BY STRESS 9MON SMALL ACTS
MAY 4
2020 Read Matthew 25:31-40
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you
did for one of the least of these brothers
and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
— Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
As I left the restaurant carrying my box of leftovers, I saw a
person lying in my path. As I approached, I leaned over and
asked, “Would you like something to eat?” He responded
with “Yes!” As I set the food down, four or five people walking
behind me leaned over and put money in his hat. As I got
into my car, I began thinking
about how giving to others
Thought for the Day leaves me feeling joyful.
“It is more blessed to give than I then thought about
to receive” (Acts 20:35). all the easy ways that I can
give to others every day. I
can buy extra food at the market and make extra portions of
dinner to give to people in need. I can carry bottles of water
in my car to hand out to people who are homeless. I can stop
and talk with people I meet, sharing time with them. Even
while driving, I can be courteous to other drivers. When I’m
waiting in a line I can allow someone who looks rushed and
harried to go ahead of me. Through these and other small
acts of mercy we can share God’s love with the world and fill
our own hearts with joy.
Prayer: Dear God, every day show us those who need what
we can give as we pray, “Father, hallowed be your name, your
kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive
us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.
Dean T. Skoglund (Minnesota, USA) — See back cover.
10 Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS IN MY TOWNPEACE AND COMFORT TUES
MAY 5
Read Philippians 4:6-9 2020
The prayer of a righteous person is
powerful and effective.
— James 5:16 (NIV)
One evening as I was preparing supper for the family, a
saucepan full of boiling milk poured out onto my right leg —
from my knee down to my foot. I cried out and ran to put my
pain-wracked leg under running water. When I remembered
that I was scheduled to speak the very next day at church in
my village and then three days later at a church in another
town, negative and fearful thoughts and questions began
to surface. How will I walk to speak at church tomorrow?
Should I send a message to the town church and tell them I
cannot come? These thoughts were joined by mental images
of being in the hospital with
a suspended leg. I was even
thinking I might need to Thought for the Day
wear stockings all the time Praying solves more problems
because of the big scar. than worrying does.
Then suddenly I realized
that I was not listening to the Lord. So I switched to reading
Bible verses that talk about healing and started to pray. At this
point, I could feel the pain even deep inside the leg, and it was
excruciating. Yet, by the time I finished praying, all the pain
was gone and no scar was left on my leg.
When we face difficult situations, worry and fear quickly
grip us. But they do not solve any problems. What peace and
comfort prayer and faith in God provide!
Prayer: Dear Lord, when we get into trouble, help us to look
to you in faith and prayer instead of worrying. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Charity M. Kiregyera (Kampala, Uganda) — See back cover.
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE INJURED IN A
HOUSEHOLD ACCIDENT 11WED A LENTEN CHALLENGE
MAY 6
2020 Read Philemon vv. 4-7
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
— Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)
During Lent our pastor challenged the congregation to
step out of our comfort zone by faithfully tithing 10 percent,
sharing the gospel with others, and helping our community
through acts of service. I accepted the challenge. My first
payday during Lent was the biggest paycheck I had ever
received. Although it was
Thought for the Day just a few mouse clicks on
I can follow God’s word my computer, sending 10
no matter my budget percent of that paycheck to
or schedule. the church was tough. Next,
I posted on social media
about my faith and included an open invitation for questions
and for anyone to join me at church. The positive outpouring
of Christian love was amazing.
Finally I asked around until I discovered that a group from
church served a meal at a homeless shelter once a month.
Now I look forward to the fourth Saturday of every month and
make every effort to participate.
I used to think that money was too tight and that I was too
busy for any of these ministries. Now I know through faith
that we are all capable of doing what God’s word calls us to
do. I remain busy with family and work obligations, but I try
my best to fit into my schedule the opportunities that arise for
me to show God’s love through works of faith.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for all you have
done for us and all you allow us to do in your name. Keep
showing us the joys of serving you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bryan Young (Texas, USA)
12 Prayer Focus: MY CHURCH’S OUTREACH MINISTRIESQUEST FOR THE QUEEN THUR
MAY 7
Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 2020
Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is
proclaiming his handiwork.
— Psalm 19:1 (CEB)
A queen bee nestled in her hive can be quite elusive. I’m
pretty good at finding hidden objects in a picture game on
a page; but as a new beekeeper, I worried about finding our
queen. My husband, Joe, and I spent several months studying
about the care of bees before purchasing a hive from a local
beekeeper. Our “starter pack” of bees derived from a larger
colony came with five frames containing comb and larvae
to put in our hive along with the worker bees and a queen.
“What if we don’t see the queen?” I asked Joe as we left with
our boxed bees.
“Don’t worry,” he said.
“You don’t have to see the
Thought for the Day
Every day I can see God
queen. If you see her eggs
revealed in all creation.
and developing larvae, you
know she’s there.” About
a week later, curiosity moved me to look in our hive. I saw
newly laid eggs and growing larvae in different stages of
development. Joe was right. I never saw the queen, but I saw
her handiwork.
Our search for God can be much like my quest for the
queen bee. We long to see God; but because God is invisible,
we get discouraged. Yet, if we take time to look, we see signs
of God’s presence around us. Just as I haven’t seen my queen
bee, I haven’t seen God face-to-face. But I have seen God’s
handiwork, so I know God is near.
Prayer: Dear Lord, give us eyes to see you and faith to
believe. Amen.
Suzanne Montgomery (Indiana, USA)
Prayer Focus: BEEKEEPERS 13FRI CHOSEN
MAY 8
2020 Read 1 Peter 2:1-10
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, God’s special possession, that you may
declare the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his wonderful light.
— 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
I hurried to the park near my house, excited to try out
for the Little League team. After doing drills for a while, we
gathered to hear who was chosen to be part of the team. I was
expectant, but unfortunately I was not chosen. Dejected, I
slowly walked home.
Most people can prob-
Thought for the Day ably identify with this
God will always choose me. experience — whether
not selected to be part of
a team, not accepted into
the college of their choice, or not chosen to receive a desired
job. When we aren’t included or chosen, we can become dis-
couraged. But even when others find us unsuitable, we have
been chosen to be members of God’s family. What a privilege!
Furthermore, we have been chosen to “declare the praises” of
God who called us out of darkness into God’s light. When we
feel insignificant and unwanted, we can remember our family
and our high calling. We are God’s ambassadors, proclaiming
the message of reconciliation to the world.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for choosing us. Help us to
remember that we have an honorable calling. Amen.
Wayne Greenawalt (Illinois, USA)
14 Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO FEEL UNWANTEDGRATEFUL EXPECTATION SAT
MAY 9
Read Colossians 1:1-14 2020
We continually ask God to fill you with the
knowledge of his will . . . being strengthened with all
power according to his glorious might so that you
may have great endurance and patience.
— Colossians 1:9, 11 (NIV)
For a few years, I have had to wait for God to heal my son.
Some days my faith has been strong, and I have felt fired up.
On others, I have let fear creep in and cause me to doubt and
then have slipped into deep sorrow. I continued with this
cycle of highs and lows until I found the scripture above from
Colossians.
In this passage, Paul prayed that the believers in Colossae
would be strengthened with patience and joyful longsuffering.
The word patience refers to being able to accept or tolerate
delay without getting angry or upset. It can also mean cheer-
ful or hopeful endurance. Paul was acknowledging that at
times heaven will be silent and we will have to wait.
As difficult as it may
sound, God wants us to wait
with an attitude of joy. The Thought for the Day
scripture suggests to me that I will choose to praise God in
while we wait for an erring all situations.
child to come back home,
we can rejoice. While we pray for our spouse to show up, we
can rejoice. While we wait for a baby to be conceived, we
can rejoice and give thanks to God who has already given us
far greater blessings than what we desire for the future. And
while we wait, God is right beside us.
Prayer: Dear Father, strengthen us so we can wait patiently
with a sense of grateful expectation. Amen.
Lilian Nwanze Akobo (Meath, Ireland)
Prayer Focus: TO WAIT PATIENTLY 15SUN A ROOM FULLY PREPARED
MAY 10
2020 Read John 14:1-4
Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if
that were not so, would I have told you that I am
going there to prepare a place for you?”
— John 14:2 (NIV)
Three days before Thanksgiving I was feeling the full
effects of my chemotherapy treatments. My mother called,
full of excitement that my husband and I were coming home
for the holiday. I told her how awful I felt, but she told me
she would prepare my room for me and give me the best
medicine in the world — a
mother’s love. Two days
Thought for the Day later my brother called to
God’s love for me tell me that Mother had
will never die. died in her sleep. When
I arrived at my parents’
house, I found my room fully prepared just as my mother had
promised. In the kitchen the ingredients were set out to make
my favorite pies. My mother’s last acts on earth were finding
ways to comfort me as I endured my battle with cancer.
In today’s reading, as Jesus was about to face a horrible
death, he reassured his followers that he would prepare a
room for them. Our parents’ love for us can be a reminder of
the loving sacrifice Jesus made for us. I know that Jesus has
a room prepared for me, and I know that my mother is there
waiting for me. As I celebrate Mother’s Day this year, I will
worship my Savior and remember my mother and her great
love for me. I will also remember that Jesus has prepared a
room for us all.
Prayer: O God, thank you for human families and the love we
can share. Most of all, thank you for your son, Jesus Christ,
who taught us how to love. Amen.
Karan Young (Texas, USA)
16 Prayer Focus: MY FAMILYIRON SHARPENS IRON MON
MAY 11
Read 2 Timothy 2:14-19 2020
Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved by him, a worker who has no need to be
ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.
— 2 Timothy 2:15 (NRSV)
During this past school year, a colleague and friend
approached me and suggested I start a Bible study for teach-
ers. After some thought and prayer, I decided to send an
email to teachers and other staff inviting them to my class-
room for Bible study before school began on Tuesdays and
Fridays. I had no idea what to expect. But on Tuesdays
we studied the book of James and on Fridays the book of
Philippians.
In Proverbs, we are told that “as iron sharpens iron, so
one person sharpens another” (27:17, NIV). It took a couple
of meetings for trust to build, but we discovered that as we
studied together we grew as friends. We became more willing
to share our struggles with
one another. We listened Thought for the Day
to one another. We prayed Bible study helps me grow in
with one another. We my relationship with God
encouraged one another — and with others.
even checking on those who
missed a meeting. God truly worked in our midst, encourag-
ing us through scripture and through fellowship. Most of all,
God helped each of us learn to rely more upon the working of
the Holy Spirit in all our relationships with one another, our
students, and with God.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for the Bible. Help us to grow
as we read it, and lead us to find others who will faithfully
study with us. Amen.
Michael W. Martin (North Carolina, USA)
Prayer Focus: BIBLE STUDY GROUPS 17TUES GOD PROVIDES
MAY 12
2020 Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-15
Cast all your anxiety on [God] because
he cares for you.
— 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Following the birth of my first child, I had postpartum
depression, and my husband was facing unemployment. It
became clear that a career change was on the horizon for him,
which added to the uncertainty we felt about the future. My
husband and I both felt anxious about what was next for our
family; we even thought
we might need to move to
Thought for the Day another state.
God will provide for me. One morning my son
was crying to be fed. As I
prepared a bottle for him,
I said, “Calm down, Sweetie. When have I ever not given
you what you need?” As I said this, I realized that I had been
crying out to God in fear about how and when my family’s
needs would be met. I saw myself as a scared child, in need
of something that I could not provide for myself. As I looked
at my son, I knew that in a short while the sustenance he was
waiting for would be provided — he would be full, content,
and happy.
What a picture of how God cares for us! In all my worry,
God was near, inviting me to cast my fear, anxiety, doubt, and
anger on him. Like a loving parent, God can and will provide
for our needs.
Prayer: Loving God, when we can’t see the way forward, help
us to trust that you can. Amen.
Courtney Boulware (Ohio, USA)
Prayer Focus: THOSE SUFFERING FROM POSTPARTUM
18 DEPRESSIONTRUST THROUGH PRAYER WED
MAY 13
Read Mark 11:19-24 2020
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer,
believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours.
— Mark 11:24 (NIV)
As my wife and I finished dinner one evening, we got
a phone call from my sister-in-law. She told us that her
husband had been in an accident and had suffered a serious
head injury. Shocked, my wife and I immediately left to meet
her relatives at the hospital. The doctor told me that my
brother-in-law had only a one percent chance of survival. He
soon underwent an operation, fell into a coma, and was put
on a ventilator. The doctors gave us no hope that he would
survive due to the large amount of blood he had lost.
Because I have witnessed the way that prayer can save
lives, my wife and I started praying despite our fears. Two
days later, my brother-in-
law came out of his coma.
To say the least, the doctors Thought for the Day
and our family were sur- I express my trust in God
prised that he had survived. when I pray.
My faith in God is now
stronger because I witnessed the immense power of prayer.
When we trust God, our faith can grow stronger than our
fears.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to feel your presence during diffi-
cult times. Amen.
Rajeev Ranjan Pandey (Uttar Pradesh, India)
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE IN A COMA 19THUR ALWAYS READY
MAY 14
2020 Read 1 Peter 3:13-17
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have.
— 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
As a bird lover, I was delighted to see that the lake where
my husband and I built our house was a great habitat for a
variety of birds. Anticipating opportunities to photograph
them, I upgraded to a better camera. About the time I was
experimenting with it, a pair of snow geese paid a visit. I was
able to take photos of those
beautiful birds. It was a
Thought for the Day good thing, because they
How will I express my hope in were gone the next day.
Christ today? Birds don’t willingly
pose, so if I want photos of
them, I have to be prepared — to have my camera with me
and wait for my chance. Even then, I may not be successful
in getting a good photograph. But the opportunities will con-
tinue to come; if I don’t leave my camera on the shelf, I won’t
regret the great photographs that could have been.
We don’t always know when a chance to witness to the
hope we have in Christ will come. But by being open to the
urging of the Holy Spirit and willing to share our story, we stay
in a posture of readiness. And who knows? Maybe someone
will cross our path who needs to experience the hope found
only in our Savior. How ready will we be to share God’s story?
Prayer: O Lord, may the hope you give us be so evident that
others will want to hear about it. Help us to be ready for
opportunities to witness to your love and salvation. Amen.
Lori Herold (Illinois, USA)
20 Prayer Focus: PHOTOGRAPHERSReal people. Real stories. Real faith.
Scott Martin Angela Peabody Gordon Rose Jenny Young
(p. 8) divides his (p. 49) is a pro- (p. 50) is a retired (p. 55) enjoys
time between lay fessional writer computer techni- crafts, camping
preaching, writing, and speaker who cian who mows in God’s great
counseling, and teaches Sunday lawns to stay in outdoors, and
volunteering at school and vaca- shape during sum- encouraging other
retirement homes. tion Bible school at mer months. Christians through
her church. her blog.
Oluwasola Jegede Keith Hailey Bev Varnado Leland Collins
(p. 37) is a medical (p. 67) is a retired (p. 63) and her (p. 62) is a retired
laboratory scientist handyman whose spouse have three minister and hos-
and the founder of favorite pastime is adult children, two pital chaplain. He
a faith-based NGO. singing old gospel grandchildren, a and his Cavalier
She advocates for songs for residents chocolate lab and King Charles span-
teenagers on issues of the local nursing several cats. iel volunteer at
of social health. home. the local medical
center.
Share YOUR story today!
The people pictured on this page did.
See devotional.upperroom.org/guidelines for
writers guidelines or send a stamped, self-addressed
envelope to the editorial office address (p. 1).
Submit online: submissions.upperroom.org
21FRI MOVING WITH GOD
MAY 15
2020 Read Psalm 143:5-10
The psalmist wrote, “Teach me to do what pleases
you, because you are my God. Guide me by your
good spirit into good land.”
— Psalm 143:10 (CEB)
Even though my husband and I have relocated 21 times,
I still find change difficult — it tends to bring out all my inse-
curities and worries. One move was especially hard for me.
I loved the place where we lived. We were a part of a great
church and would be leaving many friends. I worked at a
large center helping women in crisis and felt that my job was
also my ministry.
Only later did I realize God’s purpose for the move. It
enabled me to work in a similar organization that was strug-
gling — where God used my experience to help them grow. I
began to look back on other moves and could see that God
was at work in each move.
Through all my family’s
Thought for the Day relocations, I have learned
I can trust God to show me the that I can trust God to lead
best way to serve. me in the right direction.
When faced with an
opportunity that requires change, we can ask God to guide
us. Because God loves us and wants us to lead lives of signif-
icance and meaningful service, God will answer our prayers
for direction — not only through scripture but also through
the wisdom of Christian friends and mentors. God’s answer
may not always be what we prefer to do, but we can know that
following God’s direction is always best.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to trust that you will show us the
ways and places where we can continue to find joy in serving
you. Amen.
Myrna Conrad (Florida, USA)
22 Prayer Focus: FAMILIES PREPARING TO MOVEWHEN LIFE HURTS SAT
MAY 16
Read Matthew 5:1-12 2020
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will
be comforted.
— Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)
In July 2012, my wife Joyce died suddenly within 48 hours
after shepherding me back home to Oklahoma after emer-
gency surgery in Florida to save my leg. I was bereft. Not only
was Joyce my best friend, my wife of 35 years, and the mother
of our two children; she was my partner in ministry and a
multitalented musician and university teacher with a radiant
personality.
Two blessings were critical for me in her loss. First, a
conviction that Jesus knew what he was talking about when
he said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be com-
forted.” There were many days — especially in the first two
years — when I would weep and scream in the pain of that
loss. The scream was not
“Why?” just “It hurts.”
The second blessing Thought for the Day
came the day after Joyce’s Even in my grief, God
death as I heard the Holy blesses me.
Spirit ask me this ques-
tion: “If you could swap your years with Joyce and not have
this pain, would you do it?” My immediate answer was,
“Absolutely not.”
Now the pain has dulled and is far less frequent. Every day
I have continued to give thanks for Joyce — the life and love
we shared and the family God entrusted to us.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your presence and guidance
through scripture and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Torrey Curtis (Oklahoma, USA) — See back cover.
Prayer Focus: WIDOWERS 23SUN HILLS OF LIFE
MAY 17
2020 Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
This slight momentary affliction is preparing us for
an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure.
— 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NRSV)
When I was in high school, we had “hills day.” A group of
us jogged to a hill that overlooks a lake, and the coach called
out, “Ten times, up and down.” The first two laps were invig-
orating because the group tackled the hill together. But by lap
nine, I was alone, my sides ached, and I gasped for breath; I
wanted to give up. Though
only creeping forward, I
Thought for the Day forced one foot in front of
How does my outlook change the other, determined to
when I focus on Christ? finish. When I reached the
top of the hill for the tenth
time, I looked out across the expanse of the lake. It stretched
so far that it made me — and the hill — seem small.
Years later I saw how much the hill was similar to life.
Sometimes life is fun, like the jog from the school to the hill.
At other times putting one foot in front of the other is gruel-
ing. When we do face the hills of life, we can focus on Christ,
who climbed a hill and carried a cross for us, giving us the
hope of eternity. As we do, our trials look smaller.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to lift our eyes to you in chal-
lenging times. Remind us that our earthly troubles will seem
small when we stand in the presence of your glory. Amen.
C. Jennings (Ontario, Canada)
24 Prayer Focus: JOGGERSTHE ULTIMATE CONNECTION MON
MAY 18
Read John 15:1-10 2020
Jesus said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you
bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
— John 15:8 (NRSV)
On the island of Trinidad where I grew up, some of the
agricultural crops include pumpkin, watermelon, passion
fruit, and tomatoes. All these fruits grow on vines.
In John 15, Jesus spoke about a vineyard. The purpose
of the vine is to provide support and to send food and water
to the branches. As long as the branches are connected to
the vine, they will bear fruit. Occasionally the gardener must
prune the branches. This process is important because it
maintains the health of the branches, strengthens them, and
encourages the branches to produce more fruit.
Jesus is our vine and we
are his branches. As long as
we are connected to Jesus, Thought for the Day
we will be provided with the How do I stay connected to
nourishment, support, and Jesus?
love that we need to live as
true followers of Christ. Staying connected to Jesus involves
studying the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other believ-
ers. The Holy Spirit works within us to bear fruit. Our fruit
consists of godly actions such as forgiveness and compassion.
Our obedience to Jesus’ commands brings glory to God.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for giving us your strength and
support. Help us to remain connected to you so that we may
bear much good fruit. Amen.
Renae Aberdeen (Indiana, USA)
Prayer Focus: THE PEOPLE OF TRINIDAD 25TUES THE POWER OF PRESENCE
MAY 19
2020 Read Luke 10:38-42
Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be
taken away from her.
— Luke 10:42 (NRSV)
I remember having long talks with Melissa discussing the
day’s activities, future plans, our goals, our future married
life. Then there were the long pauses, maybe lasting as much
as ten minutes when no one spoke. Yet we were connected,
and somehow that was important. On long drives, walks in
the park, or just sitting at the house, that same silence con-
tinues to be a part of our relationship. Sometimes just being
present with one another is
enough. I realize that truth
Thought for the Day even more fully when we
I will set aside time are absent from each other.
for Christ today. Presence matters.
In today’s reading, we
see that Mary understood the value of presence. She didn’t
have to join in the conversation. She didn’t have to be the
center of attention. Just to be present at Jesus’ feet was
enough. For her presence, Jesus rewarded her: “Mary has
chosen the better part, which shall not be taken away from
her.” What praise from the Master for simply being present
with him!
God still seeks our presence. In the hustle and bustle of
each busy day, may we find time to sit quietly in God’s pres-
ence. In those precious moments of solitude may we discover
intimacy beyond words; for when we draw near to God, God
will draw near to us. (See Jas. 4:8.)
Prayer: O God, teach us to recognize your presence, and help
us to stay connected with you throughout this day. Amen.
Kevin Thomas (Alabama, USA)
26 Prayer Focus: THOSE OVERWHELMED WITH BUSYNESSON ASSIGNMENT WED
MAY 20
Read John 5:19-24 2020
Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I
judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do
not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
— John 5:30 (NRSV)
After I received several requests to participate in ministries
and projects that I felt were not in keeping with what God
had called me to do, my friend Ann encouraged me to write a
mission statement. I thought mission statements were only
for corporations, but with Ann’s encouragement I wrote three
points that I felt were key to the work God has called me to do.
Now when people urge me to get involved with their projects,
I am able to use my mission
statement to help me decide
whether they fit God’s Thought for the Day
assignment for me. What is my mission statement?
Similarly, Jesus had a
mission. Jesus said, “I can
do nothing on my own. . . . I seek to do not my own will but
the will of him who sent me.” Although few people under-
stood Jesus’ mission, he remained focused on the work God
gave him.
Like Jesus, we are all on assignment. If we don’t know
our assignment, we can ask, and God will guide us. When we
know our assignment, we can remain focused on our mission.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for entrusting us with assign-
ments while we are here on earth. In the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Mary E. Webb (New Mexico, USA)
Prayer Focus: FRIENDS WHO ENCOURAGE ME 27THUR EVERYONE’S GIFT MATTERS
MAY 21
2020 Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-26
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if
one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
— 1 Corinthians 12:26 (NRSV)
After having surgery on one of my big toes, I required a
walker for support and weeks of recovery. My entire daily life
seemed to revolve around that toe and its healing. I had never
said to a friend, “Let me show you my wonderful toe! It helps
me so much every day!” But after this experience I felt a new
appreciation for its importance.
The way I undervalued my toe made me think about the
parts of the body of Christ — the church. Some people have
roles to play that often go unnoticed, yet they serve import-
ant functions in God’s
Thought for the Day work. I think of the editors
Today I will show my gratitude who make a writer’s work
for the contributions of others clearer, the people who
to God’s work. quietly pray for others,
and the custodians who
keep church facilities clean and ready for study and worship
each week. The list goes on. How often do we take the time
to acknowledge and encourage others? Paul reminds us
that when any member suffers, we all suffer; and when any
member is honored, we rejoice together. When members of
our Christian family are hurting in some way, we can support
and encourage one another, renewing our strength for the
tasks God has assigned us. When we care for and value one
another, it is cause for rejoicing.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to see the value of other Christians
and to commend them for their work. Amen.
Linda Neff (Ontario, Canada)
28 Prayer Focus: CUSTODIANSBOLD ENCOURAGEMENT FRI
MAY 22
Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 2020
Encourage one another and build each other up.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
The swimming competition we were attending was
crowded with preteen kids, including our two grandsons.
Slade, the older of the two, had completed competition in his
age group and was now at the side of the pool, rooting for his
younger brother, Grant. Even over the noise of the crowd, we
heard Slade calling, “Come on, Grant, keep going. You can
make it!” As I watched him, I thought, He doesn’t care at all
about what the crowd thinks of him and his jumping up and
down and yelling. He’s more concerned that his brother finish
the race.
When later I thought Thought for the Day
about the unashamed way To whom will I speak an
my grandson encouraged encouraging word in Christ’s
his brother, I asked myself, name today?
“Am I as zealous as Slade in
my encouragement for my brothers and sisters in Christ?” I’m
ashamed that the answer is no. Unlike my young grandson, I
am often inhibited by my fear of what others will think. Slade
inspired me to ask God for forgiveness and also for boldness
to encourage others.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to reflect your nature in our
actions toward others each day. We pray as you taught us,
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins;
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead
us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4,
KJV). Amen.
George Childree (Alabama, USA)
Prayer Focus: YOUNG ATHLETES 29SAT FEAR-CONQUERING LOVE
MAY 23
2020 Read Matthew 6:25-34
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will
worry about itself. Each day has enough
trouble of its own.
— Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Once again, I felt paralyzed and completely helpless. As
the darkness of my bedroom closed in on me, panic rose in
my chest. All too often, fear seemed to rule my life. Questions
about my future, my career, my financial situation, my rocky
relationship with my significant other, my ill family members
— the list never ended — gnawed at my mind.
As I lay on my back
Thought for the Day staring at the ceiling, I
Because of God’s love for me, remembered the words of
fear and worry do not have Matthew 6:34 quoted above.
to rule my life. I realized how much this
never-ending cycle of fear
with its tossing and turning at night and worrying was hurting
my spiritual life as it controlled my thoughts and actions.
However, I knew that Jesus loves me and died to save me and
that he is sovereign over all.
As the apostle John wrote, fear cannot exist where love is
in complete control; if I fear, I am not made perfect in love.
(See 1 John 4:18.) I mentally recited all the ways in which
God had provided for me time and time again. As I reflected,
I realized that through every trial, Jesus was present and had
never failed to give me what I needed. Taking a deep breath,
I prayed, telling God about all my worries and fears and
praying for peace as I drifted off to sleep.
Prayer: Dear God, give us a deeper understanding of your
love so that fear no longer rules our lives. Amen.
Laura Rothhaar (Ohio, USA)
30 Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH INSOMNIAI BELONG! SUN
MAY 24
Read 1 John 3:1-2 2020
Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs
of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we
share in his sufferings in order that we
may also share in his glory.
— Romans 8:17 (NIV)
Nearly everyone wants to feel they belong — that they are
part of a group, have a cultural identity, and are accepted.
Though this need is often associated with teenage years, we
all have it. Despite having the same surname, some people do
not experience the joy of belonging to a family, of being part
of a joint history. Many people have no one with whom they
can share their joy and hope, or their sorrow and fear.
In my ministry, I meet many people who come to church
alone and become part of a new family — the family of God.
In Christ, we became co-heirs of the kingdom of God. The
family of faith can create space for new beginnings, renewed
hopes for living this life, and
new hope in life eternal.
It is God’s wish that we Thought for the Day
become part of his family. I belong to Christ’s
Jesus taught this when he family of faith.
instructed the disciples
to begin their prayer by saying, “Our Father.” Jesus shared
the glory of the Father with his disciples and with all of us.
Everyone is welcome in the family of faith because our heav-
enly Father loves us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for making us a part of your
family of faith. Help us to invite others to find in you a real
sense of being a family! Amen.
Marcos Antonio Garcia (São Paulo, Brazil)
Prayer Focus: MY CHURCH FAMILY 31MON RUNNING AWAY
MAY 25
2020 Read Psalm 139:1-12
The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will
watch over your life.
— Psalm 121:7 (NIV)
When I was young, I often ran away. I thought you had
to actually run to run away, so off I would go. I wouldn’t get
far before my brother would catch up and bring me home. I
always knew he would come and get me.
My brother joined the Army in 1946, on his 17th birth-
day. He had been my confidant, adviser, and protector, and I
missed him terribly. While
away, he wrote me letters
Thought for the Day filled with wise advice and
How can I help bring others promises that he would
back to God? keep me safe. I still have
those letters. He visited
home after several months, and when it was time for him to
leave again, I cried and begged him to stay. I even refused
to go to the train station to see him off. I didn’t know that
the next time I’d see him would be three months later, when
his coffin would arrive at that same train station. He died of
pneumonia as a complication of kidney disease.
I never physically ran away after that, but I ran in other
ways. This time, God came after me. God brought me to a
church where people took me in and showed me the love of
Christ. I am eternally grateful for the church that set me on
the path that changed my life. Although from time to time I
have strayed from that path, God has always brought me back.
Prayer: Redeeming God, thank you for bringing us back
when we run away. Thank you for the people you have placed
in our lives who love us, watch over us, and protect us. Amen.
Grace Epperson (Michigan, USA)
32 Prayer Focus: MILITARY FAMILIESCONTENT WHERE I AM TUES
MAY 26
Read 2 Samuel 7:18-29 2020
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD,
and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what
is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
— 2 Samuel 7:18 (NIV)
I’m thankful for the lovely part of the world I live in. Lakes,
rivers, ocean beaches, and mountains are all just a short drive
away. I often go out to photograph wildlife like sea lions, bald
eagles, and white-tailed deer.
But one morning, I struggled with envy of others who’ve
traveled to exotic places that I haven’t been to. I decided to
spend extra time reading my Bible because I knew God would
encourage me to be content with my corner of the world. I
brushed aside my craving for places I have not been, and I
opened the word of God instead.
As I was reading David’s prayer about being humbled
that his family would be remembered by the Lord forever, I
realized my foolishness in
coveting anything earthly. Thought for the Day
Just like David, all those When I’m feeling
who trust in the Lord will discontented, I can turn to
be established for eternity scripture for encouragement.
in God’s kingdom. I was
reminded of how much more important heaven is com-
pared to earthly things. Heaven’s shores will forever be more
breathtaking than all the exotic places the world has to offer.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the beauty of the world
we live in. Help us to remember that heaven’s joys will far
surpass earthly ones. Amen.
Wendy L. Macdonald (British Columbia, Canada)
Prayer Focus: CHRISTIANS IN CANADA 33WED A CHANGE OF HEART
MAY 27
2020 Read 1 Corinthians 9:20-23
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor
free, nor is there male and female, for
you are all one in Christ Jesus.
— Galatians 3:28 (NIV)
At our farewell luncheon celebrating my first five years of
ministry in the United States, the group was surprised when
George spoke. He was a retired businessman who had always
sat quietly with his wife in the very last pew of the church
building. That day, in a shaky voice, George said something
that touched every heart there: “Pastor Koo, in five years you
have made us cry twice. The first time was five years ago,
when we received news that
we were getting a Korean
Thought for the Day pastor. The second time is
Every day, God strengthens today, the day that you and
me for ministry to others. your family leave us. The
first were tears of worry
and disappointment about getting our first cross-cultural/
cross-racial pastor; now they are tears of love and sadness as
we see you and your family go.” Not long after we left, George
passed away.
His words became great motivation and encouragement
for me in my ministry. As is written in today’s quoted verse
from Galatians — despite our prejudice, differences, and
anxiety, we are all one in Christ Jesus. Still today, George
reminds me that God’s ministry is not fulfilled by words but
rather when we meet heart to heart in Christ’s love.
Prayer: Dear Father, remind us that through your power we
can overcome all worldly hurdles to minister to others. Amen.
KyungMo Koo (Maryland, USA)
34 Prayer Focus: CROSS-CULTURAL CHURCHESGOD’S LOVE ENDURES THUR
MAY 28
Read Romans 5:1-11 2020
Suffering produces endurance, and endurance
produces character, and character produces hope,
and hope does not disappoint us.
— Romans 5:3-5 (NRSV)
It started with a twinge of pain in my leg, but the little
twinges soon became greater and steadily intensified. Two
years later, while I was sitting in my seventh-grade math
class, I was told to go to the front office. I could feel my heart
pounding as I walked toward the office and felt it sink when I
saw my parents sitting with the principal. They told me that
my doctor had diagnosed me with chronic osteomyelitis and
said they needed to take me to the hospital for an emergency
biopsy. I was filled with fear. I didn’t understand why this
was happening to me or why God allowed so much pain to
enter my life. However, five years later, I know that without
this experience I would not
have become the person I
am today. Thought for the Day
Although the pain still God fills me with hope and
takes over at times, I look helps me endure.
to God to fill my spirit with
hope and endurance. I know there is suffering in the world
that far surpasses anything I will ever experience, and I con-
tinue to pray for those who are afflicted. Jesus suffered on the
cross, and he understands our pain. Regardless of our earthly
suffering, we can trust that God’s love will outlast it all.
Prayer: Dear God, comfort us when we face illness and
pain. Give us a renewed sense of hope and faith in your love.
Amen.
Candyce Sturgeon (North Carolina, USA)
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE AWAITING BIOPSY RESULTS 35FRI DISTRACTING PRIDE
MAY 29
2020 Read Philippians 4:10-19
Paul wrote, “My God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
During my first backpacking trip, I wasn’t far into the
trek up the mountain before I realized that I had grossly
overpacked. As I struggled, I saw a member from our group,
whom I had yet to meet, coming back down the path toward
me. “Please, Lord, just let him wave and pass by.” Nope.
He stopped dead in front
Thought for the Day of me with his hand out-
Today I will set down my stretched, saying, “Hello,
burdens so I can welcome I’m Jay. Would you like me
God’s strength. to carry your pack?” My
mind screamed yes, but my
lips uttered, “No, thanks. I’ve got this.” My pride was totally
opposed to accepting help. He turned, and we climbed
together. When Jay continued to ask if he could carry my
load, I finally relented.
I had prayed for strength, but God had something else in
mind. Sometimes receiving God’s provision requires a sacri-
fice on our part like giving up our pride in self-reliance. This
sacrifice is not for God’s benefit but for our own. When we are
no longer distracted, burdened with guilt, or full of pride, our
ears and hearts are more open to God. Then we are free to
sense God’s message in the words of a song, see God’s plan in
the order of nature, or feel an unexplained peace deep within
us during a crisis.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to release our pride so that we
may trust in your provision rather than our own. Amen.
A. Mattingly (Texas, USA)
36 Prayer Focus: THOSE STRUGGLING WITH PRIDEBEST FOR US SAT
MAY 30
Read Hebrews 12:4-11 2020
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you
as his children. For what children are not
disciplined by their father?
— Hebrews 12:7 (NIV)
Drinking soft drinks or juice in my young nephew’s pres-
ence will likely cause him to cry because he wants the drink
and is not allowed to consume too much sugar. One day as
he was crying for juice, it occurred to me that while children
may cry for something that will harm them, adults who know
better will allow them to cry rather than to satisfy them with
what is harmful.
God called my attention to the same thing about myself.
At times when I would ask God for something and not get
it within my time frame, I would start crying. Still, my tears
didn’t make God give me what I cried for. Eventually I real-
ized the truth of Hebrews 12:7: As a good father, God will
discipline me so that I can
grow. God was not denying
me love by withholding Thought for the Day
certain things from me. God sees beyond what I want
By not giving me what I to what is best for me.
wanted, God may have been
protecting me or helping me to grow and mature.
When our desires and tears are for what isn’t the best, God
will help us not to destroy ourselves with these misguided
desires but instead to make better choices. God loves us and
wants only the very best for us.
Prayer: Dear Father, when we cry for unnecessary or harmful
things, teach us to understand your discipline and embrace a
love for your correction. Amen.
Oluwasola Jegede (Lagos, Nigeria) — See p. 21.
Prayer Focus: THOSE SUFFERING THROUGH TRIALS 37SUN OURSELVES OR OTHERS?
MAY 31
2020 Read Luke 10:29-37
You do well if you really fulfill the royal law
according to the scripture, “You shall
love your neighbor as yourself.”
— James 2:8 (NRSV)
I was teaching English as a Second Language to col-
lege-age students who were preparing to enter a university
in the U.S. One day the class was learning to use the reflexive
pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, etc.), and students were
practicing by filling in the blanks in sentences in their work-
book. The sentence “God
helps those who help______”
Thought for the Day confused one of my stu-
To whom is God calling me to dents. When he came up
be a neighbor today? after class to ask me for the
answer, I told him that this
saying is common in the U.S. and that the correct answer is
“themselves.” God helps those who help “themselves.” “Oh,”
he said. “I thought God helps those who help others.”
He was right. Jesus gave us two commandments that are
the most important — to love God with all our heart, soul,
mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves
(see Mark 12:28-31). The parable in today’s reading also
reminds us that our neighbor is anyone we meet whom we
have the ability to help.
My student’s response was closer to the biblical teaching
than that popular saying. Even if our material resources are
limited, we can offer a smile, a word of encouragement, or a
listening ear to those we come in contact with today. And in
doing so, we also will be blessed.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to honor you by helping someone
who needs what we can give. Amen.
Frances K. Griffin (Oklahoma, USA)
38 Prayer Focus: SOMEONE LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGEYou can also read
